Thieves targeting Western U.S. health clubs operating recently in area

CHICO — Detectives are looking for a three-man organized alleged burglary crew that has targeted several health clubs and businesses throughout Northern California for more than three years.

Chico police began investigating after the most recent case occurred earlier this year.

The men reportedly focus on secured lockers at health clubs to steal credit cards and debit cards, according to the Chico Police Department. The cards are then used at local businesses to make large purchases, which included high-end electronics.

There were about 10 businesses the men allegedly went to, Chico police detective Joel Schmid said. The businesses included large chain stores and smaller shops.

Detectives are not releasing the names of the health clubs or businesses involved.

A conservative estimate of the loss to the victims in these cases exceeds $40,000, according to police.

The alleged burglars are thought to have been operating in the area since January 2010, Schmid said. The men are reportedly known to have targeted other cities and counties in Northern California, including Lodi and Placer County.

The three suspects, who are thought to be from out of the area, may be traveling through the Western United States, Schmid said. Based on their activity, it suggests they're moving though a wide geographical area.

Chico detectives are working with Butte County, state and federal agencies to locate the men, Schmid said.

Attempts to identify the suspects have been unsuccessful, according to Chico police. Detectives are hoping someone may recognize the suspects shown in surveillance images.

The suspects are described as male adults in their 30s to 40s, between 5-foot-8 and 6-foot-1, with brown hair, according to police. The men reportedly drive a silver four-door sedan with a sunroof, stock rims and tinted rear vent windows.

Schmid encourages people to be vigilant and to report anything they see occurring, he said.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Chico Police Detective Bureau at 897-5820.

Reach Almendra Carpizo at 896-7760, acarpizo@chicoer.com, or on Twitter @almendracarpizo